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Re: Words for Father

From the Bhakti List Archives

Satyan, Nagu • July 21, 1998 


As Mani stated, many Karnataka Iyengars address their father as "Anna."  My
father-in-law was addressed as Anna by his borthers/sisters, 9 children as
well as the daughters-in-law and sons-in-law.  I see the same practice with
most of our nieces and nephews (husband's side) living in India. On my
parents' side,  most address as Appa, including us. Generally, I noticed
that Hebbar Iyengars use "Anna" and if I am right, Mandyam Iyengars address
the father as "Ayya."  Another observation I have made is that when the
Karnataka Hebbar Iyengars introduce their father or refer to their father
during a conversation, the word "thohappanar" is used, similar to my
relatives in Madras. For mothers, Hebbar Iyengars while introducing refer to
their mother as "thaayaar."

Nagu Satyan
MS. Nagu Satyan
Manager, Material Science and Technology
Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver
303-977-1342 (B)